Nick Larkin reports on a novel scheme to promote classic bus hire
London-based heritage operator has come up with an innovative new private hire scheme that could ‘revolutionise’ the market. [wlm_nonmember][…]
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Brentford-based RedRoutemaster is offering customers a 45 minute hire of a classic bus in central London which the company is aiming will cost out at just £12.50 per person.
The new venture called The CelebrationBus was an idea no other operator had tried, said Office Manager at RedRoutemaster, Ray Crofts. “It’s a simple idea, but we believe it could be revolutionary,” she said. “It’s aimed at people who want to hire a classic vehicle for an event, but who would normally find it too expensive. We like to think of ourselves as being ahead of the curve and doing things differently.”
The scheme is designed to be as simple and cost effective as possible. Customers book online after finding an available slot. Parties of up to 20 people are catered for and the flat rate for hire is £250. For that, a 45 minute ride is given, along with a complimentary drink and music. Parties are picked up at Tothill Street in Westminster and have a choice of five drop-off locations.
“We noticed there was a gap in the market for something like this, especially in the festive season with office parties etc,” said Ray. “Part of the idea was also to spread the word about classic buses being available for hire. It’s also a great opportunity for families, birthdays, even just a group of friends.”
RedRoutemaster was set up in 2011 after Adam Shailes, now RedRoutemaster’s Managing Director, and Operations Director Darren Kidd bought London Transport Routemaster fleet number RML2366 and decided they needed to raise funds for its upkeep.
There are now five RML-type Routemasters and a front-entrance RMA-type in the fleet, which are used for everything from weddings to private hire.
Visit:
www.redroutemaster.com or CelebrationBus
www.celebrationbus.uk or tel: 020 8088 2520.
